Assessing the Predictors of Intention and Behavior in Using Virtual Social Networks Among Students of the Yazd University of Medical Sciences Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior

Introduction: Nowadays, use of virtual socail networks is increasing . However, few studies have been conducted  about  factors influencing the use of social networks by using theories of health education  among students.  The present study was to determine predictive factors of virtual social networks among students of Yazd university of medical sciences based on the constructs of the Theory of Planned Behavior. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 300 Students in 2016, who were selected by stratified random sampling method. The  study data was collected from a questionnaire based on the constructs of the Theory of Planned Behavior including attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and behavioral intentions and behaviors. The data collected were then analyzed via the SPSS Software using descriptive statistics, Pearson product-moment correlation test, one-way analysis of variance, and regression. Results: The mean age of university students was 22.28±3.69 years. The results also suggested that 98.3% of these university students were using virtual social networks. Moreover, the findings of the regression analysis indicated that attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control were predictors of intention to use social networks and attitudes had the highest predictive power for the intention to use social networks (β=0.38). Furthermore, the results of the regression analysis demonstrated that behavioral intention, attitudes, and subjective norms among the constructs of the Theory of Planned Behavior could predict the behavior to use virtual space. Conclusion: Given the high level of social networking utilization, the necessity of planinig and doing of interventions should be noted to manage it. It is also required to induce and educate the correct attitude about the use of network and how to take advantage of  it